Farm management (3 years or less) - Two seasons as garden manager at Forest Gardens - https://forestgardens.farm/. This was focussed on building and sustaining a food forest to potentially sustain up to 50 people living off grid.
General farming (3 years+) - Grew up on turkey farm, which also had dairy stock. Have kept my own flocks of chickens and ducks. Going into 14th season of growing my own food. Largest passion and interest is in floriculture - I spend as much spare time as possible honing my gardening skills, attending workshops and seminars.
Other experience/agricultural/business training - I currently run my own business and have had two successful businesses in the past. I've also completed the 48 week long Self Employment Program for Entrepreneurs facilitated by the YMCA through WorkBC. I have learned a lot about soil building through Elaine Ingham's "Soil Food Web".
Do you have a business plan?
Yes
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
Yes - I have savings to set up flower production in the first year. I will apply for grants and operate a crowd funding campaign to expand the production of the flower festival in the following years.
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
No
Project
Farm Name
The Flower Candyland Sanctuary
Farm Project Description
A floral eco-sanctuary for our pollinators - bees, hummingbirds and butterflies, with a flower festival developed around it, complete with workshops, music, food and games!
The first year would be a simpler version showcasing a wildflower meadow which will provide shelter and feeding and breeding grounds for our beloved pollinators. As we create sanctuary for our animal and plant friends, they will create sanctuary for us by providing a luscious area for people to connect with themselves, the earth and each other through. This will be a fantastical space for people to luxuriate in! The main floral attraction will be lilies. In the first year, revenue will be generated from:
1. U-Pick area for the lilies
2. Workshops e.g. Gardening, bee-keeping, wellness
3. Photoshoots e.g. wedding, celebration, portfolio enhancement
4. Potted plant sales
It is estimated to take three growing seasons until the garden has reached full maturity and the pollinators have taken full residence. At this stage a much more comprehensive offering will be advertised where people will buy tickets to come and explore the area. Examples of similar set ups are:
https://chilliwacktulipfest.com/
https://www.richmondsunflowerfest.com/
Preferred Arrangement
Lease -
MOU -
Business Partnership -
Duration of the desired agreement
1 year to start, 5 years for the ideal land match
Ideal date to obtain land by
March 1st 2024
Land & Features Desired
Total Land Size (acres)
2 to 10 acres
Wooded Area (acres)
Yes - Forest is not a must, but I am happy to have a variety of landscapes to create differing sanctuaries in.
Cultivable Area (acres)
Minimum 3 acreas
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
Yes - Am happy to begin with 2 acres in first year, but the ultimate vision will expand to 5 to 10 acres.
Zoning
Either
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
Ready to be seeded! I have 2,200 lily bulbs being delivered on April 1st which need to be planted! I have many kilos of flower seed which I do not intend on storing ;)
Open to landowner residing on property
Yes - No issues will the land owner being present and welcome involvement of the land owner in the project, if desired.
Need farm buildings
No
Need fenced land
Yes - Do not want deer or other animals entering and eating the plants. Am happy to work with the land owner to fence an area if necessary.
Need farm machinery and tools
No
Need established water source and infrastructure
Approximately 30,000 gallons of water per week in dry spells. Initially a hose running from source for crop watering will suffice, but I will likely move to drip irrigation in future seasons.
